Johanna Senyane principal of MaSenyane Children’s World ECD who was programme director at the event
By Azola Nonkosi
Bana Pele Forum hosted a child protection awareness event on Friday at the University of Pretoria campus (formerly known as Vista University).
The forum is a joint initiative made up of several creches/ pre-schools in Mamelodi.
The initiative brought together children, care-givers and teachers of various pre-schools as well as anti-gender based violence organisations to discuss the importance of protecting children against abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Before the start of the proceedings, the pre-school learners marched from the gate of the University of Pretoria campus right up to the lecture hall with their teachers holding posters calling for the protection of children.
According to the organisers of the event, the march symbolised the collective voices of children in their demand for safety and care.
The aim of the event was to highlight the issue of children’s rights and safety whereby the community was encouraged to work together to create a safe and healthy environment for children.
“It is our duty as pre-school teachers to protect children and keep them safe from harm as we are the ones who spend more time with them and we are quick to notice when they are not okay,” said teacher Brenda Madisha of Ikatleng Early Learning Centre.
“At creche we maintain a happy and safe environment for the kids to make sure that they are cared for equally,” added Madisha.
“Children are a gift and one day some of them will be doctors, lawyers, presidents etc; they are the future of our country and their rights must not be violated and they must not be neglected,” said Gift Masemola who is an official from the City of Tshwane Department of Social Development.
Masemola said such events are hosted in collaboration with the City of Tshwane Municipality to ensure that children’s rights are not infringed upon in the community in general.
According to Bana Pele Forum event organisers, the awareness campaign is part of continuous initiatives to promote children’s welfare and educate communities about child safety.
The organisers hope the event would raise awareness and motivate locals to report abuse and help children who are in need in this regard.
“We want to be protected, enough is enough, stop child abuse,” said Mihlali, who is one of the pre-school learners that took part in the event.
One of the highlights of the event was the dramatic performances rendered by the pre-school kids about child protection and abuse.
As the event drew to a close, participants reaffirmed their commitment to cooperating to build safer communities where all children would develop, learn, and realise their full potential without worrying about abuse or neglect.
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